CASTLE CLINTON
New York City, USA
Construction began in 1808 on West Battery Fort. This was constructed on a small artificial island just off shore and was completed by 1811.
West Battery was intended to complement East Battery – Castle Williams – just across the harbour on Governors Island, mostly to defend New York from British incursions during the build up to the War of 1812. Neither of the two Forts were ever put to the test.
In 1815 the West Battery was renamed Castle Clinton in honour of New York Mayor Dewitt Clinton.
Subsequent to that time Battery Park was created from landfill and the artificial island became part of the mainland. The US Army left in 1821 and the Castle became an entertainment venue hosting both Jenny Lind in 1850 and notorious Lola Montez the following year.
Today the Castle is generally encountered as the ticket office for the Statue of Liberty, which sadly tends to make people hurry through it without taking in what is one of New York City’s oldest structures.
© Text copyright - Raving Loony
Productions and Andrew J. Müller
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller & Jacqui Harris
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2018
